KUALA LUMPUR: July 19, 2026 – Keningau MP Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan has raised the issue of serious delays affecting two bridge projects in his constituency – the Kampung Samalang Bridge and the Apin-Apin Bridge – during a special sitting of the 15th Parliament (fifth term, second meeting) on Thursday.
Jeffrey said both projects remain unfinished and appear to have been abandoned, making them a highly contentious issue amid a flurry of accusations and complaints from local residents suffering as a result.
The matter has been widely shared on social media, including the Facebook page Sabah Revolusi, drawing widespread criticism and calls for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to step in and investigate.
The Kampung Samalang Bridge project, which began on 22 November 2023, was scheduled for completion by 21 May 2025, but remained unfinished as of 5 June 2026. Meanwhile, the Apin-Apin Bridge, which started on 20 May 2024 and has been granted two time extensions pushing its completion date to 12 November 2026, currently stands at less than 40% physical progress.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Hajah Rubiah binti Wang, clarified that the Kampung Samalang Bridge project is not abandoned. In fact, its actual progress as of 30 June 2026 had reached 95.6%. She attributed the 4.4% delay (equivalent to 42 days) to late payment of interim claims, weak contractor management and adverse weather conditions. She gave an assurance that the project would be finished by August 2026.
The Apin-Apin Bridge falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works.
Jeffrey also raised the issue of compensation for those affected by the project delays.
On the compensation request, Ms Rubiah said the government has no special allocation for this purpose and that the projects are still within a reasonable timeframe for implementation.
Jeffrey also submitted a motion concerning the chronic, severe traffic congestion in Keningau town, which has persisted for years and is hurting local businesses and the economy.
He proposed the construction of alternative roads, a bypass, U-turn flyovers, and a second bridge across the Pegalan River.
Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Dr Haji Ahmad bin Haji Maslan, told the House that Federal Route 500 (the Tambunan–Keningau–Tenom road) has a Level of Service (LOS) A rating, meaning it is still capable of handling current traffic volumes. However, the Keningau–Tawau road (a state road) records an LOS E, indicating severe congestion.
He advised the state government, through the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and the State Public Works Department (JKR), to submit a formal project application for inclusion in the priority list.
The federal government has already approved the Keningau Relief Road project, worth RM36 million (covering 6 kilometres to JKR R2 specifications), which is currently at 30% progress and scheduled for completion by July 2028.
The Sabah state government is also conducting a study on “Proposed Priority Roads Projects in Keningau” as a long-term solution.
